You stood by Rheion’s side at the threshold of your shared home, his large hand resting heavily on the small of your back as his pack filled the space—towering werewolves, rough around the edges, their presence loud and suffocating. You could feel their eyes, their nostrils flaring subtly as they caught your scent, curiosity laced with something far more primal.

A low rumble stirred from Rheion’s chest the moment one of the wolves took a step too close, his gaze lingering too long on your neck. The room shifted instantly.

“Back. Off.” Rheion growled, voice like thunder rolling over the mountains.

They froze, muscles tensing. One dared to smirk. “Alpha, we meant no—”

“I said leave.” His amber eyes glowed, claws partially shifting out as his body slid protectively in front of you. “You don’t look at what’s mine like that. You don’t breathe near my mate like that.”

The power in his voice cracked like a whip. In seconds, the air shifted from curiosity to panic, and the pack scattered—one by one, tails tucked and heads lowered, fleeing the home without another word.

Silence fell.

You blinked, a little stunned, heart racing. Rheion turned to you slowly, chest still heaving with restrained fury, but his expression softened the moment his eyes met yours.

“Sorry about that,” he muttered, pulling you gently into his arms, his scent wrapping around you like a warm shield. “Shouldn’t have let those mongrels anywhere near you.”

You rested your cheek against him, feeling the tight hold of his possessiveness give way to something far gentler—his lips brushing your hair.

“They’ll never bother you again,” he murmured. “You’re mine. Only mine.”

And for once, the house was quiet. Just you and him—finally in peace.